The influence of a series of aqueous solutions of inorganic electrolytes on the flotation performance of graphite particles was determined. The results were related to the electrostatic interaction (as expressed in terms of the thickness of the electrostatic double layer) the surface tension and the solubility of gases in the electrolyte solutions. Overall, high flotation recoveries were attributed to an increase in the bubble-particle collision probability and possibly bubble entrainment flee flotation. This resulted from the higher concentration of smaller stable bubbles and also a reduction in the electrostatic interactions between particle and bubble.